Best Dispersed Camping near Killeen, TX
Want to go dispersed camping near Killeen? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Killeen, TX (6)
1. Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites
Georgetown, Texas3 Reviews•9 Photos•102 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
2. Iron Bridge Park at Belton Lake
Moody, Texas1 Review•10 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Picnic Table
3. Walnut Springs Primitive Campground
Georgetown, Texas1 Review•1 Photo•40 SavesPrimitive camping. Please be prepared to filter water, make a cathole and camp without amenities.
In addition to Tejas Park, there are 3 additional camps that are only accessible by hiking or boat. Most of these sites are equipped with a picnic table, ground fire ring, and a lantern stand. Walnut Springs Camp is located between milepost 15 and 16. Careful trip planning is encouraged when using these facilities. Potable water is not available. There is a 14 day camping limit.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
5. River Backpack Area — Colorado Bend State Park
Bend, Texas3 Reviews•55 Photos•12 SavesThis is a backcountry wilderness, low-impact, limited footprint camping area. It is not a group camp area. All tents must be in the boundary of the sites, with only four people per site. Camping outside the designated area is prohibited. Campsites are one mile from the Windmill Trailhead, but you can park at any trailhead in the park to customize your hike. The Windmill Backpack Area is five miles from the river and the main campground. No water or toilets are available in this area. No open fires are allowed, but you may use containerized fuel stoves for cooking. Carry out all trash and dispose of it properly.
- Tents
$10 / night
6. Windmill Backback Area — Colorado Bend State Park
Bend, Texas2 Reviews•14 Photos•8 SavesThis is a backcountry wilderness, low-impact, limited footprint camping area. It is not a group camp area. All tents must be in the boundary of the sites, with only four people per site. Camping outside the designated area is prohibited. Campsites are one mile from the Windmill Trailhead, but you can park at any trailhead in the park to customize your hike. The Windmill Backpack Area is five miles from the river and the main campground. No water or toilets are available in this area. No open fires are allowed, but you may use containerized fuel stoves for cooking. Carry out all trash and dispose of it properly.
- Tents
$10 / night
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Killeen
5 Reviews of 6 Killeen Campgrounds
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sav
GuideIron Bridge Park at Belton Lake
Cool!
This place is kind of out of the way, around 20/30 mins of driving off of the nearest highway/interstate. The area consists of a medium sized gravel parking lot and grassy areas with covered cement picnic tables as well as a boat ramp at the end. There are trash cans and two bathrooms (holes in the ground with four walls). Be prepared for no toilet paper lol! There are no real established sites, outside of plenty of space to park next to picnic tables and a parking lot. There is enough room to get a big rig to come through, park, and pull around. The gravel/ground is tightly packed with plenty of flat areas for tenting as well. For being so far back, the park is pretty busy. There are people that live out here and people that come out here for 12-6 am hunting/fishing/driving. We weren’t bothered at all, despite being in the way. The park is open 24/7 and doesn’t require a permit or pass of any kind. It’s far enough out of the way that the stars were beautiful, and despite being near a popular-ish waterway it did not smell like dead fish.
Guillermo L.
Traveler
Walnut Springs Primitive Campground
Tent camping recommended.
I'm very last minute camping trip on a Sunday evening to Monday morning... There was a backpacking group, a group of people who canoed in, and ourselves. Large open area; for fire pits for lamp hangers for picnic tables trees closer the trail and grass sea areas closer to the water. Can be biked in from camp Tejas four miles away or can hiking from Russell Park 2 mi away.
No amenities; be prepared to dig cat hole, if drinking lake water be prepared to filter and sterilize. This is possibly the easiest campgrounds on the good water trail to get to which may result in there being more people at this site than others. This is the "first come, first serve" campground.
Enjoyed our stay during a thunderstorm under the big trees.
Alexandra
Ranger
Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites
Camped out of the campsite near the lake
We ended up not following our AllTrails after a fork in the road heading towards the campsite, and were pretty pooped so decided to camp there off Sawyer Campsite Rd. People had clearly used the shore as a campsite before as there was a makeshift fire pit and some cleared areas for tents. water and views were beautiful, and it was a nice place to rest after the 6 miles in. Rain started pretty heavily (and being close to the water probably didn’t help with humidity inside the tent) and our rain fly was unwilling to cooperate so we got a bit wet. The home back in the rain was fine. A couple slippery spots but very doable. Overall great time here even though we weren’t at the official campsite.
Troy W.
LegendSawyer Park Primitive Campsites
Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites
This is a review of the Sawyer Park primitive (dispersed) campsites along the San Gabriel River Trail. There are no facilities or amenities are this campsite. Leave No Trace principals should be practiced.
Upon entering one of the access points, park your car for free near the trailhead. It is good to advise one of the park administers that you will be hiking or place a note inside your car that you are hiking.
The Sawyer Park site is only accessible by hiking or by a boat. It is about 5 miles from the Tejas Campground and 5 miles from Cedar Breaks Campground. This is primitive (dispersed) camping. There are a few areas with clear land or tent pads where you may camp. But there are also zones where you may simply camp wherever you can setup a tent or hammock. There is an old latrine at this site, but it is in poor shape and no-one really uses it. Be prepared to dig a cat hole.
Many people stay at this site while hiking the San Gabriel River Trail. The trail circles Lake Georgetown and is 26.2 miles. It passes through forests, grasslands, over some small hills and across a few tributaries.
In the summer be aware that the combination of the temperature and the exposure can make this trail uncomfortable to hike. Take precautions, drink lots of water and stay in the shade all that you can. While you may be hiking within site of Lake Georgetown, it is not always convenient to access the water. So carry plenty of water while hiking - at least 2 liters.
The trail is getting more and more popular with backpackers, so it is likely that you may see others on the trail. On weekends you may encounter scout troops practicing backpacking. During the weekdays you may not see a single person. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but it is nice to keep them on lease.
- Troy W.Legend
San Gabriel River Trail
San Gabriel River Trail + Lake
This is a review of the primitive (dispersed) campsites along the San Gabriel River Trail.
Upon entering one of the access points, park your car for free near the trailhead. It is good to advise one of the park attendants that you will be hiking or place a note inside your car that you are hiking.
The trail circles Lake Georgetown and is 26.2 miles. It passes through forests, grasslands, over some small hills and across a few tributaries.
This is prmitive (dispersed) camping. There are no facilities or amenities are these camp areas. Pack in some water and bring a water filter to obtain more. Leave No Trace principals should be practiced.
There are a few areas with tent pads or clear areas where you may camp. But there are also zones where you may simply camp wherever you can setup a tent or hammock. I'd say that 40% of the trail has some tree coverage, but 60% is exposed.
In the summer be aware that the combination of the temperature and the exposure can make this trail uncomfortable to hike. Take precautions, drink lots of water and stay in the shade all that you can. While you may be hiking within site of Lake Georgetown and the water, it is not always convenient to access the water. So be sure to carry plenty of water - at least 2 liters.
The trail is getting more and more popular with backpackers, so it is likely that you may see others on the trail. On weekends you may encounter scout troops practicing backpacking. During the weekdays you may not see a single person.
Dogs are allowed on the trail, but it is nice to keep them on lease.
Guide to Killeen
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Killeen, Texas, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a true back-to-nature experience. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the outdoors.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Killeen, Texas
- Many dispersed camping areas, like Iron Bridge Park at Belton Lake, do not require permits, making it easy for campers to set up without the hassle of reservations.
- Be prepared for a more primitive experience; sites such as Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites offer no amenities, so bring your own supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles.
- For those looking to hike in, the San Gabriel River Trail provides access to beautiful dispersed camping spots along the trail, perfect for backpackers seeking adventure.
Scenic spots for dispersed campers
- The Walnut Springs Primitive Campground features a large open area with fire pits and picnic tables, making it an ideal location for groups looking to enjoy a campfire under the stars.
- Campers at the River Backpack Area — Colorado Bend State Park can enjoy secluded sites right by the river, offering a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle.
- If you're up for a challenge, the Windmill Backpack Area — Colorado Bend State Park provides stunning views and a sense of isolation, perfect for those who want to escape into nature.
Unique experiences for dispersed campers
- At Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites, campers can enjoy the beauty of the San Gabriel River while setting up camp in a picturesque location that allows for fishing and swimming.
- The River Backpack Area — Colorado Bend State Park is known for its wildlife sightings, including the occasional mountain lion, making it an exciting spot for adventurous campers.
- For those who enjoy hiking, the San Gabriel River Trail offers a scenic route with multiple dispersed camping options along the way, allowing for a multi-day hiking and camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Killeen, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Killeen, TX is Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Killeen, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Killeen, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.